Strip server



A118- 14 1945- r. R. GAUTIER ETAL STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9. 1943 11 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. 14, 1945. T. R. GAUT|ER ETAL STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9, 1943 Il Sheets-Sheet 2 [m2202020 (as: Kline vu ril. Ga Zit-I2 iff/0710?@ 10J/ZL.

Aug. 14, 1945.

T. R. GAUTIER ETAL STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9. 1943 11 Sheets-Sheell 3 LUM AUS 14, 1945 T. R. GAUTIER ETAL 2,382,787

STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9, 1943 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 14, 1945. T. R. GAUTIER Erm.

STRIP snnvn Filed aan. 9j 194s 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 T. R. GAUTIER EI'AL STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9. 1945 11 Sheets-$heet 6 fr @M Aug. 14, 1945. T. R. GAUTIER Erm.

sTRI= SERVER Filed Jan. 9. 1%

11 Sheets-Sheet 7 Inve'afoZf-s: 1?8220 PR. Qaule litiga Aug. 14, 1945. T. R. GAUTIER E-rAL 2,332,787

STRIP SERVER 'led Jan. 9. 1943 1l Sheets-Sheet 8 ,7M-ma Mw uw wig;

Allg- 14, 1945 T. R. @Au-NER :TAL

STRI P SERVER Filed Jan. s; 1943 1 1 sheets-sheet 9 anions: 2aB/.miie

Aug. I4, 1945. T. R. GAUTIER ETAL 2,332,737

l STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9. 1943 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Egea.

Invenons: We vo TR. Qa ua'er Roller? `Pllloz' Aug 14 1945- T. R. GAQTIER ETAL 2,382,787

STRIP SERVER Filed Jan. 9. 19M ll Sheets-Sheet 1l k! liv/ven zo 2*'5.'

Patented ug. 14, 1945 s'rarr sanvnn Trevor R. Gautier and Robert W. HoittNashua, N. H., assignors to Nashua Gummed and Coated Paper Company, Nashua, N. H., a corporation of Massachusetts Application January 9, 1943, Serial No. 471,890

26 Claims. (Ci. 164-42) The present invention relates to devices and apparatus for measuring and dispensing selected lengths of adhesive paper and like tape, from supplies of indenite length, the successive strip lengths being delivered in condition for adhesive aflixing for package sealingand other purposes. More particularly the invention aims to provide an extremely compact machine of the class described, of rugged construction and efficient operation, and wherein the actuating parts are protected and concealed in an enclosure having a minimum of projecting parts and presenting an attractive stream-lined appearance, rendering the machine appropriate to store counters, office Adesirs and like locations where space saving and pleasing appearance, as well as sturdiness and ,reliable operation, are important considerations.

In the drawings illustrating by way oi example one embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine or device as a whole, on a smaller scale than in the following views; y

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section taken just inside the right side frame;

Fig. 3 is a plan, with the cover removed and the right side plate sectioned;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section as on or Fis. ,2:

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-section on the line 5- of Fig. 2 looking toward the rear:

g Fig. 6 is a similar section but on the line 6 6 of Fig. 2 and looking oppositely, toward the front:

Fig. 7, on a larger scale, is a vertical longitudinal section substantially centrally through the machine, with the rear end broken away;

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-section on the line 8-8 of Fig. 2, looking to the rear;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail section taken horizontally on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8, illustrating a portion of the feed control means, and Fig. 10 is a similar section with the parts diiierently positioned:

Figs. l1 and i2, on sheet l, are further vertical cross-sections, Fig. ll .being taken near the front or delivery end of the machine as on the line H-II of Fig. 2 and looking forwardly, while Fig. l2 is taken near the rear of the machine as on the line l2-l2 of Fig. 2 and looking rearwardly;

Fig. 13 is an elevational view of the right side of the machineI with the outer side plate of the housing removed and with the operating lever demounted from the latter and positioned on its shaft, for explanatory purposes;

Fig. 14 is a fragmental view corresponding to a portion of Fig. 13 showing the measuring and feed control parts in different position;

`the line 4 4 Figs. l5 and,16 are respectively front and side skeletal views of associated measuring, feeding and cutting elements,.as positioned after feeding and measuring but before cutting;

Figs. .17 and 18 are views corresponding to Figs. l5 and 16 respectively, showing the parts as duringa cutting operation;

Fig. 19 is an exploded view of elements of the measuring and feeding mechanism;

Fig. 20 shows in side elevation a portion of the inner i'ace of the operating lever;

Figs. 2l to 23 are'detail views of a tape feed guide and moistener assembly unit, separately, in plan and in rear and side elevation respectively;

Figs. Zito 27 are a related series oi elevational views of frame or cover elements separately, wherein Fig. 24 shows the inside face o1' the side cover plate; i

Figs. 25 and 26 represent the inner faces of th right and left-frames, respectively, and

Fig. 27 showsthe inner face of the front door or cover;

Fig. 28 is a front end elevation of the machine as a whole, on the scale of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 29 is a-companion view to Fig. 28, showing the rear end.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the machine comprises a combined frame and housing seen in full assembly in Fig. 1 and as to its various component 4elements in the other views. The housing as illustrated comprises two main longitudinal or side frames i and l2, aV removable side cover plate 3, herein at the right, a top cover 4 and a front closure and delivery table 5, both the latter arranged to be swung open for access to adjacent parts. These several elements of the housing have each an integral one-piece construction, being formed preferably by die casting of a zinc or other metal composition or alloy or by molding of a lplastic composition. In this manner the side frames and 2 and the side plate 3 are made to present at their inner faces all the reinforcing ribs, fins and such formations and the various lugs, bosses, projections and the like as appropriate for the mounting and positioning of the operating parts to be describedI and for readily and demountably securing togther the housing elements, thus providing a smooth surfaced and pleasing exterior for the resulting portable machine unit.

Noting particularly Figs. l, 28 and 29, the housing has none of the usual externally visible securing means such as nuts, bolts, screws, clips and the like connections. It is also noted that the side plate 3 is so shaped and correlated with the adjacent frame member 2 as to match externally with the opposite one-piece side frame I, affording a well-balanced structure of symmetrical and attractive contour as viewed from any angle.

These side frames I and 2 are respectively formed with invvardly extended rear ends I a and 2a adapted to abut laterally in opposed relation'to provide an enclosing lower rear wall'for the housing. These frames are separably joined by a,

minimum oi' interconnections, to be referred to'V in connection with the various other functions which they serve. Along their lower edges the side frames l and 2 are formed with blas flanges Ib and 2b provided with cushioning pads', 5,'e'tc., of rubber or other resilient composition, desirably recessed at their underface for increased holding eifect, and securely set into conforming inverted sockets l, ll etc., in the side frame bases.

At the rear portion of the machine, the space between the side frames I and 2 and'withinthe overlying portion or the conforming inverted trough-liketop cover 4 provides a chamber fora supply of the adhesive tape or strip in roll form, as indicated at T, Fig. 2, positioned in this chamber in readiness to be drawn upon. Such supply roll ls supported on a combined floor andunderguideV l comprising a single piece of metal or other strip material continuous from the 'rear ot the tape supply chamber to andbeyond the rotary tape-engaging elements of the'feed means to be described. The rear end of this tape supportand guide l serves as one interconnection for the side' frames. For this purpose it is lapped horizontally against projections 9, III on the frame rear' walls la, la and there secured as by nuts and bolts Q d, Ia, Figs. 2 and 4. This guide flooring B 'has'a width adapting it to space and brace the side frarries. It is positioned vertically and' also lengthwise by a series of locating nubs II, I2 projecting from the respective side frames and dis'- tributed along the adjacent edges of this guide flooring I, some below and others above'tlielatter; Figs. 3, 4, '7, 25 and 26. i

The top cover d extends nearly the full length ot th'e machine. Its front end terminatesat and in. part defines the deliverystation fo'the Vmoisteiiedfmefa'sured lengths olltape to be dispensed. This 'co'vetr `is readily removably hinged at the reer'ni thejsifie frames. The latter have 'opposed sockets lc, :erige 3, 25 andas. for horizontal plltig'llkepivot pins la. Noting Figs. 2, 3 and 12, these" pins are each of a length to extend tl'i'rouglfiv aligned bearing 'apertures in vertical anges 4b projecting forwardly from a tongue c dependingfrom the base' of the rear wall ld ofthe cover l. These pivot pins la are of reduced diameter at their inner ends to provide abutment shouldersfor the opposite ends of a retaining spring le By merely unseatlng this spring, the cover pivot pins may be withdrawn inwardly, permitting the cover to be removed bodily and as easily restored. Reinforcing ribs 4f at the inner faces ofthe cover, Figs. 2 and 7. are projected below its side edges as feet 4Q to aid in firmly positioning the cover laterally on the respective side frames. The lower edge oi the cover tongue dc is rounded andthe adjacent horizontal upper edges of the frame rear walls lu, 2o are correspondingly arcuately beveled, as at ld 2d, Figs. 25, 26, to provide an overlapping joint in the closed position ofthe cover 4, The latter is stopped and held in its Substantially' vertical lullopen position by engagement of th` outer face of ity,- tongue 4c down upon the top of The frame rear walls In, 2a.

Tape rolls of different widths Within the capacity of the machine are laterally centered in the supply chamber by means of adjustable side guides or plates I3, I4, Figs. 2 to 4, '7 and l2.

. These plates are slidably and pivotally mounted o'f transversely spaced slots II at its forward porti'on, and a corresponding longitudinally aligned rear series' of spaced slots I9. The guide plates iii, 'lfiaave do'ilhjn: projections i3d, Ida at their forward ends, Figs. 2 and 7, and other depending members |31), Hb at their lower rear portions,

adapted for'posit'ioning reception in any selected aligned pair of the forward and rear slots respectively. By lifting the guide plates about their supporting bar` their 'slot-entering portions are disengaged, permitting the plates to be shifted laterally as appropriate for the particular vvidth of tape; such as 3/4, 1,1%, 11/2 inch, etc.

The floorI andunder-guide '8 Ialso has formed in its'fo'rward portion an elongated central slot 8a, Fig. 3, givin'gacces's to the underfa'ce ofthe tape by the drivenfeeding" and measuring wheel or roll 20,"Figs.'2to"8-'an`cl 19. lower leed Wheel 20 acts "in' cooperationwith 'an overlying and herein relatively smaller feed'vgh'eel oi-"r'oll 2l, to'engage, nieasueo'ut andTad-vance'the'tg between them and A'past the severing and At ef moistening means', ior'delivry inmois't'eneid co'r'i` AV dition at'the'frnterid ofthe machine.

'I"he"uppe`r` feed Vand measuring` Vroll 2i is mount. ed o' a combinedA roll carrierI and tapegiiigle,y herein formed as a unltarycastingj Figs. '2 and 5 to B. It corriprises e,` 'pair opiaterally spaced rearwardly projecting e`a r's` 224, 22 holding. apin 23 onV which the upper roll 2| is f reelyrotatabl, This carrier and tape guidev unit further includes an aprigiit'po'rt'iori :i and s, tetten met, er piste 25 projecting iatealiy'beytni'tne ears zi` and having'a s'mooth flat'underfa'ce toserve'asi a,` tgp' guidev for the tape immediately forvvardt' the feed'rolls. 4The upperroll'Zl i's` of a sizeand so located on theV carrier as toproject below` the' guide foot 25.l Tliulsiviththeroll in itsop'erative` positionagainst 4tiie'lovver feed rpll 2li, o r incon` mi with ieee between", :html ,the avide fos? 2 5, is properlyy spaced vertically' to :deling vviththe' forward p'ortionoi th'ejloori'ng, avchuvte or guide for the advancedforivardly beyond thejied rolls.

The upper roll carrierI further comprise; av transverse bearing lujabove; the' ears.` 2 2 ancien uprigh't,p lijtio'n 24,` folrfrecep'ton looselyfon a cross shaft zyFigsfs, te?, said cresgsheft serv; ing as afhori'zontal 1pivotal suppnrtL for.'tiie,'iip r :4er` roll carrier asa' whole and also as a crosscoii nection. between the side framesi and 21. For this purpose the` frarlneshaveat transversely. onposite upper portions uprig'lht' brackeislic, 1f, Figs. 25, 26, apertured vfor screws 21a, litappep, into trie respectivelendsio'r the cross shaft 2i.

This cross shaftalslo supports springrmc'ans ior pressing the upper feed'roll, 2 I against the tape and keeping it in feeding and measuring relation to the lowerroll (ni-,wheel .20. Such'spring.millenni:` herein comprises a pair oi duplicate coil springs Z8, 28 set on the shaltv atlopposite sidCS oi the roll carrier, between the latter,and the sideY frame brackets Ir, 2J:V see particularly Figs. 2, B-apd 5 to 7. These springs have rear legs 28o, uq

hooked overthe respective ends o! the'roll pin 23;and forward legs 28b,.28b tensioned across the upper'edge of a cross member-|15 the bottom edgeof whichprovidesthe iixed cutter element ofvthe tape severing means, to be described., For lifting the upper :roll 2|, and with it the top guide platef25yto :exposezthetape path for inspection and cleaning-purposes, therroll carrier has an upwardly and 4rearwardly projecting lifting lever 29 formed integrally with the lroll carrier unit and presentedfor convenient engagement by the operator's fingers, on opening the housing cover 4 A Novel means, of extremely compact construction and arrangement, is provided for actuating ther feeding and measuring mechanism, in association with the mostening and severing means. Referring to Figs. 2,4 to 8 and A19, the lower feed roll or wheel 2li is mounted to rotate, in the forwardU or feeding direction, counter-clockwise in Figs; Zand 19. on a. stationary main shaft 3U. At the' left of the machine said shaft is held in a recessed boss 3| on the side frame I, see particu larly Figs. 8 and 25, while its opposite end pro- Jectsfreely through a bearing aperture 32 inthe iramefiand laterally out through an opening 53 in the side cover plate 3; see also Figs. 24 and 26. The feed wheel 20 has at its left face, Fig. 8, an elongated hub 20a loosely received on the shaft 30, the hub together with a washer 33, spacing the Wheel relative to the frame l so as to present it centrally of the tape path.

4At its other face thevieed wheel 20 carries a pawl 35 pvoted on a stud 36, as best seen in Figs. 2, 8 and 19. A at spring 3l having one end bent to engage around a button 38 on the wheel 20 presses the pawl toward the wheel axis. A

.similar button 39 depressesthespring at, an`

intermediate point, to tension it. If desired, a shifting pawl such as that of vGautier Patent 2,290,041 may here be employed.

The pawl 35 coacts with a ratchet disk 40 so that the wheel 2D receives rotation in the forward, feeding direction (counter-clockwise in Figs. 2 andy 19) butis left at rest during reverse return rotation, clockwise,v of the ratchet disk and associated gearing.- This ratchet disk dll is mounted to turn on the cross shaft 3U, which also carries the further train of operating parts to be referred to, all rotatable on' it.

At the right side of the ratchet disk 4l) and separably connected to turn with it is a coupler 4I having connector lugs 42 at its inner end lor reception in corresponding recessesA 43 in the ratchet disk. At its other end the coupler 4i has similar connector lugs 44 fitting in recesses 45 in the hub of a pinion 46. This pinion, the coupler 4l and the ratchet disk 40 accordingly rotate as a unit. The coupler dl and the pinion 45 have a joint extent along the shaft 30 so as to lit snugly between the feed wheel 2U and the right side frame 2, all the described parts on the shaft 3D consequently being correctly located and held laterally by and ,between the two side frames.

The feeding and measuring means, as well as the cut-off mechanism, to be described, are operated by the hand lever disposed conveniently to the operators hand and having a finger-engaging piece 5i at its fore end resembling a button or push-key; Figs. 3 and 4. This hand lever` herein at the right side of the machine, is the only exposed :moving part, as evidentV in Figs. l, 2li-and 29. For assembly purposes it is asf Cfr placement of the plate. Accordingly the hand lever 50 has at is lower end a lateral hub 52 adapted .to extend' 'through a corresponding aperture 53 of: a boss 53a. on the side plate 3, seealso Fig.' 24,-V said plate aperture having horizontal radialrecesses or slots 53h. The lever hub 53 has at its inner'end a pair of inwardly and also radially .projecting lugs 54, 54, best seen in Figs. 19'and 20. lAt the outer face .of the side plate. between it and the lower end of the lever,` is a thrust washer 55 centrally apertured at 56 for reception `on the lever hub 53 and having 'radial recesses 51, 5l for passage of the lever hub lugs 5.4 in assembling the Washer. After this washer 55 is passed onto the lever hub the washer is given a quarter turn, Vbringing its radial recesses 5l out of line with the lever hub' lugs 54, and into line with a. .pair of shallow lugs 5ta at the inner face of the lever; see Fig. 20. These enter the washer recesses 51 and hold it against turning relative to the lever. The lever hub is then inserted through the apertured boss 53a of the cover plate 3, the hub being positionedlocked in. assembled' position on the plate. yet` left free to swing' in the vertical plane relative to it.

In some instances, particularly where. as here shown. the radial lugs 54 of the hand lever 50 are out of line with the cover-plate slots 53h in all operative positions of thev hand lever when the cover plate is in place, either or both of the outer and the inner, washers 55 and 58 may be dispensed with. In such case the hubof the handl lever may have a slot-covering flange corresponding to the outer'washer 55 formed integrally with it, while its lugs 54 may be appropriately extended axially by substantially the thickness of the inner washer 58.'

In addition to the feed elements described, the shaft 30 also provides bearing support for the hand lever 50 and for the operating crank 60 which transmits motion from the hand lever to the other actuating parts. This crank 6U, of a general bell-crank form, has fixed on it a laterally extended bearing sleeve 6| rotatably received on the projecting end oi' the shaft 3D. The hand lever hub 52 is centrally recessed to receive this crank bearing sleeve 6I and the enclosed end of the shaft 30, so that the sleeve and shaft afford the bearing support for the hand lever, rather than the side plate 3. The side plate 3 itself is demountably secured to the side frame 2 by a number of screws 3a extending out through the latter into bosses 3b at the inner face of the cover plate 3; see Figs. 4, 9, 10, 12 and particularly Fig. 24.

The crank or main actuating element B0 is directly associated with thel hand lever 50 and is seen separately in Fig. i9. It comprises a rear arm 62 having a stop foot 53 at its outer end, an intermediate depending arm Bd, and a forwardly extended length-control arm 65.

This brings a for all lengths of feed stroke, including extremely short strokes as well as those of maximum length. But under a compensating` actionthe return force is made more nearly uniform for the different extents of forward or feeding motion of the hand lever. 4'

Such mechanism herein comprises a first Vor main spring of the retraction type, best seen in Figs. 13, 14, also Fig. 5. It is attached at its lower end to a pin I0| on the length-control arm B of the operating crank 60and at its' upper end to a pin |02 at the outer falce of the side frame 2. The tensioning of this spring |00 increases with the dowward stroke of the hand lever 50, the greater the feed stroke length, the greater the spring tensioning.

In cooperative relation to this main spring |00 is a second or compensator spring |0301' the expansion type. It is sodisposed that at'times it work with and supplmentsv the action of the main spring |00 while at other times, and particularly in connection with the longer feed strokes, it opposes and tends to neutralize vthe action o1' the main spring.

The compensator spring |03 surrounds a plunger |04 having at its upper end a collar |05, see Figs. 5 and 8 to l0, pivotally received on a projecting portion of the stud 69 on the intermediate arm 64 of the crank G0, which stud as previously mentioned provides the bearing for the traveling gear 10. A nut |0Bho-1ds the plunger collar on said stud, and the latter in assembled position on the crank 60. The plunger |04 carries a washer |01,against which the upper end of the spring |03 bears. of the plunger is slidab-ly receivedl in a sleeve |08 having a reduced lower portion |09 removably seated in a corresponding aperture in a bracket ||0 swiveled on a stud onthe adjacent side frame 2.

In Fig. 13, with the hand lever50 in rest position, the compensator spring |03 is substantially free of compression. By reference to Fig. 14, it will be seen that in the4 course'of a down stroke of the feed lever and accompanying swinging of the crank 60 in the counter-clockwise direction the auxiliary spring |03 is tensioned compressively up t0 an intermediate position of the parts somewhat short of that represented in said figure. As there shown the feed lever 50 has completed an approximate three-quarter maxlmum stroke such as for the 6-inch feed length setting described. On Fig, 14 a center line L-L isindiCated. through the feed lever axis 30 and the spring .bracket stud said center line, the supporting stud |59 of the spring-positioning plunger |00 has in effect crossed center, passing to the right Yof said line. Accordingly, the spring |03 has passed its maxi- `mum compression and has been partially relieved. Hence during the ilrst part of the lever return, the compensator spring must be compressed. in opposition to the retractive tendency of the main spring |00. It will 'be evident that this compensatory action is correspondingly lncreased for any greater feed stroke and return action 0i' the hand lever 50 beyond that illustrated in Figs. 13, 14.

Thus, under a condition such as that of Fig. 14, upon release of the hand lever 50, the initial effect relative to the compensating spring |03 is to compress it, up to the point at which the plunger stud G9 recrosses said center line L-L of Fig. 144 This compressive action on the compensator spring |03 is in direct opposition to The lower portion With reference to thefmaxiinum' retractive elect of the then eX- tended'main spring |00 and hence neutralizes the latter to a corresponding extent. During the leverreturn 'stroke'the compensating spring |03 exerts itsV expansive effort until the return of the parts pass said linel Ll-L. By properly proportioning the springs |00 and |03 relative to eachother a substantial uniformity of return action for the handlever and associated operating parts maybe had. Generally with a construction and arrangement as illustrated, the compensating spring |03 is considerably lighter than the main spring |00.

Turning 'now to the severing of the measured Vlengths of moistened tape, the mechanism for this purpose is operatively associated with the described feeding, guiding and measuring means,

and 4isy actuated automatically through the Abracket ||8 removably held on the frame 2 as by screws IIBa. The projecting right end of this 'fixed blade H5 has a depending portion which is apertured for a stud |'I9 extending through the adjacent end of the movable blade H6 and through the lateral arm ||8b of the bracket I8, said stud Vproviding the pivot for the movable blade I0 and the means for connecting the right end of the associated fixed blade H5 to said bracket.

The movable bladefll normally occupies a position clear of and herein below the path of vthe tape, Figs. 5a nd 6; see also Figs. l5 and 16.

In cutting the tape it is raised to a position substantially as in Figs. 17 and 18, making a rapid up cutting stroke with immediate return. This is effected by a trip mechanism and operating connections associated with the hand lever through the medium of the crank S0 already described. 4

Referring to Figs. 5, '7 and 8, also to Figs. 15 to i8. the pivot stud 09 for the traveling gear 10 and which is mounted in the aperture 68 of the intermediate depending arm 0A of the crank 60, projects in beyond `said gear 10 and supports in fixed angular relation to it a depending nger |20 having at its lower end a trip element including a pin |2| rotatably carrying a cam roll |22. This cam roll nger |20 and its supporting stud 69 have a limited angular movement or lost-motion eiTect Vrelative to the crank S0, as provided by a squared portion 69h received in a like recess 51a a't the inner face of the boss 6l on the crank arm 84. Said recess Ela has a slightly greater angular extent relative to the axis of the stud 69 than the squared portion 69h of the latter, affording the lost motion referred to and facilitating the tripping action for the cutter.

The cutter actuating means further comprises a trip lever |23 extending horizontally at a lower inner portion of the side frame 2, herein adjacent the rack TI for the swinging gear l0; see Figs. 4, 7 to 1D, l5 to 18 and 26. This trip lever |23 has a bearing collar |24 at its rear end whereby it is mounted to rock vertically on a stud |25 projecting from a boss |26on theside frame.

At its front endthsitrip leveri23=ispositively connected to the movable .blade illiasbya' rigid link-|21 having lower and upper hook-like pivotal .connectors |28, izaproiecting at diiierentangles,

so as respectivelyto extend crosswise and lengthwise'of the machine. `'I'heJlowe'r connector |20 isf'pivotally received'in an :apertureat'the fore end-of the-tripleverJ-S, while the upper connector |29 is vsimilarly attached to an inter- .mediateportion of themovableblade ll'B. The

link |21 accordingly connects the trip .lever |23 and the swinging blade H6 -forfupand down movement together. Duringsuchmovement the link moves'pivotally both laterally and'also longitudinally .of .the machine, asrpermittedaby the pivotaleconnectionsat lts'opposite end; .compare -Figs. and 16 respectivelywithlligs. v1"! and .18.

. swings rearwardly during a' forward aniidown.

ward feed stroke ot the hand lever-Land iszreturned f orwardl yavith' the: hand lever return. yThe describedftrip lever|.22 iii-'actuated lay-said nnger |20 in conjunction with the handlever return.

For this` purpose the trip,lever|23 carries'a-trip member or dog |30 pivotaily hung on. it between its ends, as .at |3|; `Figsfl, `ifiand 18. This dog has front and rear arms L32 and .N3 respectively overlying -stops l34.and|35on .the trip lever for limiting .its vertical rocking movement. At its under 4portion this .dog has `oppositely linclined cam races |38 and |31,^.the rear Aone otwhich presents anlabrupt-shoulder.as.atl|31c,.for'cooper ation with the cam roll |22 of the trip ngerHU. In the normal or rest positionrotthe parts, in .which the handlleverjiliselevatedas in Figs. 1 and 13, noting also particularlyFigr'l, the cam roll |22 stands in iront ofthe forward cam surface |36 of the plvoted dog |30. Asthe hand lever .50 is depressed for a feed stroke, thecamor trip nger |20 through the mediumof the crank i-isswung rearwardly, toward the left in Fig. .7. During this'movement the pivoted dog |30 is liftedidly, to an `extent limited by thefront stop |31 von. the trip lever.|23, the cam roll I22.passing.underthe fLO lowestportion of the 'dogisoasto.belbrought be-` hind its rear cam surface 131.

As the feedstroke of thehandlever-contnues, the linger |20 and its cam roll |22 move on back away from the dog |30, the latter tipping back to its' initial position as defined by down engagement of its rear arm |33 with the corresponding stop |35 on the trip lever |23. This down movement of the dog takes place by gravity, since the portion of the dog behind its pivot |3| is the heavier. In the illustrated construction it is accelerated and made certain by the knife'and trip-lever return-spring MU, which has its lower end connected to the front `arrn F32 oi the dog -as4 by'a pin |-32a thereon and its upper end connected as atlll to a portion of the movable blade ||`6 'remote from the pivot oi the latter, in a manner to be referred tolater.

The extent of movement of the trip finger |2|l rearwardly pastthe clog as just referred to depends on the degree of depression of the 'hand lever 5|), in accordance with the.-se1ected tape length to be measured out. But regardless of the length of tape delivered within the available range, the construction and arrangement of the parts herein is such as to insure that the trip .finger is thusvpreparatorily-carried to-the 'rear-.oi ,thedogduring an early-part of -the .,given. feed stroke. including --the `shortest. .the described parts Yasf-sii; cnnear `the .endl off one :The position 1 of of: the longer feedstrokesis represented in- Fig. 16, a skeletonized view looking from'the fright-sidefof 'the machine, similarly` asin Fig. 2, therear ofthe machine in-.thisA instance beingatfthe-right.

On release .of the-.hand lever at completion of .a down orfeed stroke, its described return means causes the\trip.nger |.20 toreturn forwardly,

.toward the left in Eig.,1 (toward the'rightonFig. .Y l.

.dogsofasto bring .theiatten againto its initial or rest position of Fig. '7 infrontof .the dog IJDrand immediately below its zforward.inclinecliace 136. The .p osition` of the parts duringsuchtrip-lever ,elevating action,-ivith the cam roll. |.22-.just on the point 0fpassing orwardlytundervthe lowestmor- .tlonoi the. clog |3'0,.is.illustrated in Fig.. l8,.a`view correspondingto.lig..1'6.

.Through .the described ,pivotal link i connection |.21 between the .trip'lever |23 and-the movable bladel I'E lt.will.be ,seen thatthegulck, positveupthrow of the trip lever |23 affords an extremely rapl'd shearing actionjforthe blade, with .substantially instantaneousrelease and return thereof to its normal position clear of and herein belowthe tapepath, inimmediate readiness for severing a succeedingA length of tape. The lost motion connection betweenthe triplnger |20 and the operating crankj, by reason of the radialrib and slot -structure,previously described, facilitates' the movement of the cam roll4 I 22 past'the pivoted dog |30,vparticularly Withthe latter in either of its extreme positions, such lfor example .as in Fig. i8. Likewisethe lost motion between the `han'cl lever .50'an'd the 'drivenfecd wheel 20, as may be provided;for'by appropriate clearance between :the hzaincllever lugsill vandthe recesses i6 onV the crank B0, Fig.A 1'9, orby theA use of a shifting paivl such as lthat of vPatent No. 2,290,041previously referred to,'or4 both, avoidsinterference with the cutting action due to occasional rebound of the ihan'cl lever.

'The movable'blade |`|6 and theitrip lever |23 are together-returned to and normally held in their down position, 'as inFlgs. '1. l5 and i6 (see also Figs. 5 and B), by means of the coil spring H0 which interconnects them. From a considerationrparticularly of Figs, l5 to 18, it is evi- 'cient that this spring |40 has a vertical bodily movement with the blade and the trip lever |21, 'during which it lalso is extended and further tensioned. In the down or rest positions of these parts, as in Figs. i5, 16, the spring normally stands under sornetensionl holding the blade and the trip lever as closelytogether as their interconnecting link |21 permits. Since suchcondition of relative approach of the blade and the ,trip lever can only behad with the blade open or down. as inFigs. l5 and 16, the spring normally pulls and holds the blade down, and through the link |21 likewise depresses the trip lever |23.

vThe lower end of the link |21 is more remote from the lever pivot |25 than the upper end of the link is from the blade pivot ||!-l. Hence for a given angular up movement of the lever |23 the link accords a greater angular movementl to the blade IIB. At the same time the free end of the blade, including the attaching point |4| of the upper end of the spring |40, which is more remote from the blade pivot than the upper end of the link |21 is, receives a greater lineal up movement than does the lower end of the spring by its connection to the lever |23 through the dog |30.

Consequently the spring is extended and additionally tensioned during up movement of the blade and its trip lever |23. But as soon as the cam roll |22 has cleared the dog |30, just forwardly of the position shown in Fig. 18, the spring |40 is free to contract. To do so it must bring the blade and trip lever closer to each other, to the extent which the link |21 allows. The effect is to pull down the blade, and, through the link, to thrust down the trip lever, into the rest position of Figs. 7, 15 and 16. Down movement of the trip lever |23 as well as that of the blade, is halted in this position by a fixed stop, herein comprising a pad or cushion |42 on a bracket |43 projecting from the adjacent face f the frame 2; see also Fig. 5.

It will be seen also that the spring |40 has a rearward and downward inclination, its lower end being anchored somewhat to the rear of the pivoted blade I I6. Thus it has a component force effective to bias the movable blade toward the xed blade H5, affording them an eiilcient cooperative shearing action.

At an earlier point We have described means including the resilient back-stop or buffer 15 for halting the return motion of the hand lever and associated reciprocating parts of the feed action. In some instances, particularly Where a rapid return stroke is desired, yet without attendant objectionable rebound or overfeed, such means may be supplemented by, or have substituted for it, means affording a braking or positive stopping action on and through a rotary member of the feed mechanism.

Herein for the purpose such arrangement is shown in connection with the intermediate or traveller gear 10. As seen in Fig. '7 and particularly in Figs. 16 and 18, said gear 10 has at its inner face, its face adjacent the cam-roll arm or finger |20, a laterally projecting stop member such as the pin or screw a. In the normal or rest position of the parts this stop 10a stands against the forward edge of said arm or finger |20, substantially as in Figs. '7 and 16. As the gear 10 travels bodily rearward along the rack 1| in the course of a feed stroke, the rotation of the gear carries the stop 10a away from said finger |20, to a position such for example as in Fig. 18, which shows the parts as at the end of a less-than-maximum feed stroke. On release and return of the hand lever 50 and with it the gear 10, the stop 10a returns rotatively to its initial or rest position of Figs. 7 and 16, bringing up positively against the forward edge of the finger |20. Further rotation of the gear 10 being thus positively blocked, the gear cannot move further forward along the rack and accordingly further rearward return motion of the hand lever 50 is positively stopped. The energy of the halted parts is taken up in part by the lostmotion mounting of the finger |20 previously referred to and by the interengaged gear and rack, substantially eliminating any tendency for the gear to turn reversely, in the feed direction.

Where such positive stop means as afforded by the stop 10a is employed in combination with a buffer element such as the resilient back-stop 15, these two elements are so relatively arranged that the buffer-engaging member, herein the foot 63 on the arm 62 of the lever-operated crank 60, will engage the buffer 15 substantially simultaneously with or a brief instant after the striking of the stop 10a. against the finger |20. Thus the momentum of the parts in the return direction may largely be absorbed by the buffer but with little or no actual compression of the latter. The result is an extremely positive stopping action, substantially without reboundv or tendency of overfeeding of the tape at the end of a lever return stroke. As above indicated, in some instances the buffer means such as 15 may be dispensed with. In such constructions, or under the provision of the joint stopping elements as herein illustrated, the stop pin or screw 10a. may carry a fibre or other collar 10b for the direct contact with the engaged element such as the roll arm or finger |20.

As previously indicated, the tape from the supply roll T (Fig. 2) is advanced along the underguide 8, by the engagement of the feeding and measuring rolls 20, 2| with its opposite faces, the tape passing `below the guide foot 25 of the upper roll carrier and forwardly past the severing means and below the fixed blade ||5. Beyond this cut-off point the leading portion of the tape is advanced to and past additional guides and correlated means for moistening its gummed (under) face.

Such means comprises a tank or reservoir |50, best seen in Figs. 2, 4, '7 and 11. Desirably it is formed of a plastic transparent or semi-transparent composition permitting the level of the contained moistening liquid to be observed. In this tank is removably set a capillary moistening element, such as the inverted brush |5| resting on its butt I5 la. The bottom wall of the tank is pro- Jected up, centrally, in an inverted V-formation |52 transverse of the tank. The oppositely inclined walls of this raised formation serve to direct the butt of the brush |5I into correct position in the tank, substantially as in Fig. '7, when the brush is merely dropped into it. The side walls of the tank have central vertical ribs |53 at their inner faces, each with a slot |54 at its upper end to support a removable partition |55, of similar material as the tank or otherwise. The brush |5| is adapted to incline forwardly against this partition, with the free ends of its hair or bristles projecting above the tank. By reason of the removable partition or upper support for the brush all the interior of the tank is readily accessible for cleaning. As thus constructed the tank is reversible end to end, so that the brush may be located in either half section of tank and the latter inserted into the machine, with the then brush-carrying section to the rear. This automatically positions the upper end of the brush in correct moistening relation to the under face of the tape.

Referring to Figs. 2, 7 and ll, the tank assembly as a whole is removably positioned between the forward portions of the side frames and 2, upon a pair of opposed horizontal ribs |56, |51 on the latter. Inward movement of the tank is limited by one or more lateral projections as at |56` Fig. 2, and it is held against forward displacement by lugs |59, |60 on the respective side frames and having vertical rear faces to abut the lower front wall of the tank. These lugs may also serve Laspositioningstops fonthefmnt closure element :5,atogether1with the outer ends of lupperand: lower fhurizontaliribs MBI, E92 :and |83, |94, =Figs.'i11, 25 :and .26,.ron ther respective-,side frames. These latber ri'bsi'also guidefand locate the tank laterally;

inthe closed position of thefront closurei, the tankii is held down by a hook-like projection |65 at .the inner face of said'closurei. adapted to'pverliel the topV cdgei of` theltank front `wail,l as best-seen'infilig Ysee lalso Fig.f27. Thetarik unit mayrreadily befiiftcd'out fromithe'machine on swinging'the frentclosure 5 tolts open position shownrin Fig. 7. This front'rnember also aords a convenient locationforthe name plate |66 held on a'rectangular frame HiLFigs. 7 and 27, at the inner faceof the closure. Such plate |66 itself serves-:as Va .further Vfront'positioning means for the tank [50.

As mentioned earlier, this front closure 5 also provides Ya delivery table or Vguide for the moistenecl-lengths of'tape dispensed .by the machine. For this purpose its main Wall is in-'turned at its upper end and is projected rearwardly andfsomewhat downwardly to fform a delivery guide HJ). l

Thus in the normalclosed position of :thisi'mnt member 5, as shown dotted in Fig. 7,the `rear edge of itstape guide portion standsidireotly in front of or contacts andassists to .supportithe projecting end of the brush moistener :|5I. :.At the sides of the tape path this guide formation H0 of the front closure `5 further includesiintegral upstandingprojections |1I, |12 torconining the tape laterally; see also Figs. 3 and 28. Thetcp edges of these lateral guides |H|'|2^are disposed along a similar line of upward 'and `rearward curvature as the adjacent portions of the side frames I and 2 .and of the side Lcoverplateraffor-ding a complete 'and "conformingrciosurefor the front of the machine as a whore, theztopover l tting snugly down onto the top side .portions of front element 5.

As best seen in Fig. 3, alsoF'igs. 27- and 28,:the guide means |10, |1|, |12 on'the front'closure present an open-top trough-like formation fthe floor of which terminatesforwardly infa clownwardly rounding portion as at |13merginginto the main vertical wall of this lfront element. This formation faciltates'the delivery and seizure of the moist/cried, severed lengths of tape as measured out by the'machine.

The combined closure and delivery element 15 is pivotally supported by. means of apair dflinwardly extending ears |59 at'its lower xportion, these being apertured in transverse alignment for bearing reception on pivot lugs ||9`at the bottom front corners of'the frames I-and :2; lFigs. -27. This front door-'like element is Vautorrratlcally returned to and normally heldin its closing position, herein by means of a coil 4spring -|1r5 having its forward end hooked in an eye Haintegrally formed at the inner face ofthe-closure. The rear end of this front cover spring 'L15 is engaged in an aperture in a cross bar-L11 extending between and bolted to opposed lugs |18, L19 on the respective side frames I and-2. This cross bar |11 also serves as a further transversebrace and interconnection for the front portions ofthe side frames.

Beyond the severing means the advancing-tape is directed into contact with the moistener by a guide and presser unit, seen in Figs. 2, 3, 7 and l1 and separately in Figs. 2l to 23. This comprisesa bottom plate or floor member lextending substantially across between thesldeframesand lonn@Medically .from `a. position closely adiacentthe :movable blade 'I lili out'lnto lclose\promixityiwith the'upper end of thiezbrush |5|. Therear edge pf this bottom guide Hill is downwardly inclined asia "lip tBI to receive and direct the' leading edge f the tape with certainty onto` it. Opposite lateral portionsof this lip 18| are extended to v'form y'suplporting 'collars |82, y|33 for pivotal reception "on opposedibearing bosses HM, cast on theside i1-ames and i2 and which provide rhorizontal pivotal support for the guide and depresser unit asiawhole. .The rear lip IBI on the plateV Ifalso has a downwardly projecting ringer |86 adapted lto bear against the front face of the bladei I6 Vattimes whenthe brush and tank have heenrerricoveri, and thusto keep the guide-depresser unit from dropping down into the space normally occupiedlby the tank. Hence when the tank is tolbe reinserteli the operator need give no special "attention to lifting Vthis guidedepresser unit.

Along its lateral edges the bottom plate M0 hasupturned flanges tsl, |98 which projectfforwardlylbeyond the front edge of the plate Vand there provide bearing support for the end pintles W9-of `a tape presser or depressing elementin the form of a circumferentially grooved roll |90 adapted to rest on the toplface of the tape op- .positeithebrush or directly on the brush inthe absence of tape between it vand the roll.

The roll pintles |99 also provide pivotal support for the top guide plate|r9| Vwhich cooperates with the bottom plate |80 to present an enclosing chuteifor the tape. Thisrtop plate |9| has upright and forwardly projecting flanges I92,1|93 received between the flanges |81, |88 ofthe bot- Htom platefboth pairs of flanges being apertured `in line with the roll axis so as to receive its bearing pintles |89.

These chute-forming guides |90 and |9| have their forward transverse edges substantially ln vertical line, closely behind the brush and the presser roll-|9|l, and in such relation to the latter that the tape is directed along a tangent to the underfportion of the roll where it seats on the brush. The top plate |9| extends rearwardly over the under plate 480 and has its rear edge |94 deilected upwardly to form with the downturned lip |8| of the undenplate a.- directive mouth for the tape immediately in front of the cut-Gif blades. This mouth or entrance to the guide chute |80, |9| is of considerable Yvertical extent at .its receiving end adjacent the blades, so as to insureentrance of the leading edge of the tape into the guide chute despite Vany possible varia- Ytions'in thevertcal level of the tapeas it is advanced across the fixed blade l I5.

Correct vertical :spacing of the guide plates |80 and |9I is maintained at their forward portions by reasonof their Apivotal interconnection at the pintles |89 of the presser roll |90. At their rear portions such spacing is determined Vby down projections or stops |95, |96 at the respective sides of theunderface of the top plate |90. These desirably are of a rounded form as seen in.Fig.21 to facilitate the lateral guiding and centering of the tape, particularly that of maximum width for thegiven machine.

`For manipulating the upper guide plate |9| and also the described presser-guide unit as 'a whole, said plate has secured at its upper face Yan uprightiinger piece |91, which also constitutes Va weighting element for this entire unit. Bygrasping this finger piece or button |91, whichdesirably is a relatively heavy solidmetal elementfthe operatormay easily swing the topguide |\9| .for-

wardly on its own pivotal support at the presser roll axis and into a position as shown dotted in Fig. 23. This exposes the whole interior of the guide chute between the severing means and the moistener. If then it is further desired to inspect the brush and tank, without necessarily removing them, the entire unit may be lifted and swung rearwardly about the axis provided by the frame lugs |84, |85 on which the under plate |80 is pivoted by its collars |82, |83. This latter axis is the same as that about which the presser-guide unit as a whole has a yielding vertical movement for accommodation of the presser roll |90 to the position of the upper end of the moistening brush, it being noted in this connection that the entire feed chute assembly IBB- |91 pivots vertically on said xed axis, which is located at the rear of the unit as a Whole and at a, point substantially spaced behind the brush and its cooperant presser roll |90.

Thus the roll is capable cf a substantial range of vertical adjustment yet the tape is always insured of positive guiding along substantially a straight line from the severing blades up to and between the contact areas of the roll and brush and thence onto the delivery platform |10 of the front closure 5. In all operative positions of this unit its top and bottom guides |80, I9i including their rear mouth have the same fixed relation to the presser roll |90 so as to direct the tape along fthe same tangential line to the under brush-contacting area of the roll.

From the disclosure herein it will be evident that the invention includes as an important aspect an improved structure and organization for a moistened tape dispensing machine in its entirety, with improved cooperative interrelation of its integrated mechanisms for measuring out and advancing lengths of the tape, for guiding, moistening and delivering them, and for cutting off the measured moistened lengths. In this connection it is noted by way of example that the front closure element partakes directly in the functions of guiding, feeding, moistening and cut-length delivering; and that the fore chute and presser moistener roll assembly, itself importantly functioning in the feeding, guiding and moistening actions, also is novelly correlated with the severing means. The invention further comprises sub--combinationally the numerous features of novelty presented by the mechanisms individually.

Claims pertinent to certain features of the invention not claimed herein are otherwise claimed as for example in our divisional application Serial No. 526,582.

Our invention is not limited to the particular embodiment as herein illustrated or described, its scope being set out in the following claims.

We claim:

l. In a tape dispenser, a frame, a shaft thereon. a feed roll and drive mechanism therefor supported on the shaft, said mechanism including pawl and ratchet elements, one fast with the feed roll. and the other rotatable separately therefrom in o-ne direction, a toothed pinion, a coupler between the pinion and said other of the pawl and ratchet elements, a, crank having a bearing formation, and an operating lever having a supporting hub and interengaging lug and groove formations connecting the crank and lever hub for movement in unison, said parts adapted for removable assembly on said shaft.

2. In a tape dispenser, a frame providing support for a tape supply, rotary measuring and feeding members for the tape, an operating lever mounted to swing on a horizontal axis, an arm disposed radially of the lever axis and moving with the lever, a gear rotatably carried on said arm, an arcuate rack fixed on the frame in concentric relation to the lever axis and in meshing engagement with said gear, and one-way drive connections between the gear and the rotary members, whereby swinging of the operating lever in one direction rotates the gear and from it imparts movement to the rotary members.

3. In a tape dispenser, a frame, a shaft thereon, a feed roll and drive mechanism therefor supported on the shaft, said mechanism including a crank having an arm portion carrying a gear rotatable on an axis paralleling the shaft, a pinion on the shaft meshing with said gear, and an arcuate rack fixed on the frame concentrically of the shaft.

4. In a tape dispenser, a frame, a shaft thereon, a. feed roll and drive mechanism therefor supported on the shaft, said mechanism including an arcuate rack fast on the frame in concentric relation to the shaft, a crank on the shaft and rotatably carrying a gear on an axis paralleling the shaft, a pinion on the shaft in driven engagement with the gear, said crank having an arm formed with a plurality of shoulders spaced angularly with respect to the shaft, and adjustable stop means engageable with said shoulders selectively, to limit correspondingly the movement of the feed ro-ll in the feeding direction.

5. In a tape dispenser, a frame, a shaft thereon, a feed roll and drive mechanism therefor supported on the shaft, said mechanism including an arcuate rack fast on the frame in concentric relation to the shaft, a crank on the shaft and rotatably carrying a gear on an axis paralleling the shaft, a pinion on the shaft in driven engagement with the gear, movement of the crank in one direction serving to rotate the feed roll to advance the tape, a substantially radial arm angularly xed relative to the crank. and stop means on the frame for engagement by said arm to halt opposite return movement of the crank.

6. In a machine for dispensing gummed tape in measured moistened lengths, a support for a tape supply, rotary members to advance the tape from the supply, a pivoted hand lever, oneway drive connections between the hand lever and the rotary members, said lever having a variable-length feed stroke and an opposite return stroke, a main return spring for the hand lever, said main spring arranged to be increasingly tensioned through the total length range of the hand lever feed stroke, and auxiliary spring means coacting with the lever and main spring to supplement the latter in response to relatively short feed strokes and partially to counteract the main spring following longer feed strokes.

7. In a machine for dispensing gummed tape in measured moistened lengths, a support for a tape supply, rotary members to feed the tape from the supply, a pivoted hand lever, one-way drive connections between the rotary members and the hand lever affording the latter a feed movement and an opposite return movement, a main return spring for the hand lever, and compensating auxiliary return means comprising a radial arm moving with the lever. a spring-guiding plunger having one end pivoted to said arm, a guide slidably receiving the other end portion of the plunger, said guide mounted to turn about a fixed pivot 

